Grassroots Democracy Part 1 Class 6 Soial science Chapter 10 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Rules keep order in a group or society, whether it is at home, at school, or on roads. People need to follow some common rules so that everyone can live together peacefully. If no one followed any rules, there would be chaos and confusion everywhere. These essential rules or laws are made by groups called the government, which ensures that everyone follows them.

Governance and the Role of Government Governance means the process of making decisions, setting rules, and organizing society. The government is the system or group of people who make rules and see to it that everyone follows them. Some important rules are officially called laws. These rules are not fixed forever; citizens can also debate or suggest changes as society changes and new needs arise.

Everyone experiences different kinds of rules in daily life, such as in schools or at work. At school, there are rules for students and teachers, and in workplaces, employees and employers have to follow rules agreed upon. Rules help maintain discipline and harmony in any community or organization.

The Three Organs of Government The government works through three main parts or organs: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The legislature creates, updates, or removes laws. The executive carries out or implements these laws. The judiciary, or courts, ensures laws are followed and punishes those who break them. This separation is important, as it keeps any single group from becoming too powerful and provides a “system of checks and balances” across the three arms of government.

For example, to fight cybercrimes such as online money theft, legislators make new laws, the executive (police or cyber agencies) catch criminals, and the judiciary (courts) decides if the law was broken and what punishment should be given. This teamwork keeps society fair and organized.

Separation of Powers A good governance system keeps the three organs separate. This separation prevents misuse of power. Each organ watches over the others, ensuring none act unfairly or exceed their roles. If all three were controlled by the same group, there would be a risk of unfair actions and disorder.

Levels of Government in India In India, the structure of government works at three levels: local, state, and central (national). Each level handles matters suited to its area. For daily or small issues, such as local flooding, the local government steps in. If more regions are affected, the state government helps. For large, nationwide issues, the central government becomes involved, such as by sending the army or supplies.

Local government deals with issues directly affecting villages, towns, and cities. The state government manages broader matters, such as health, education, agriculture, and local policies within the state. The central government handles national concerns like defence, foreign policy, atomic energy, communication, currency, and nationwide education policies.

Main Government Functions Table

Democracy: People’s Rule Democracy means rule by the people. However, since it is not practical for everyone to make every decision together, people choose their representatives through elections. These representatives then make laws and decisions for all citizens. At the state level, these are called MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly), and at national level, MPs (Members of Parliament).

There are two types of democracy: direct and representative. In direct democracy, every citizen directly votes for decisions, like when a whole class votes on where to go for a picnic. In representative democracy, citizens elect individuals to take decisions on their behalf. India is the largest democracy in the world, with around 970 million voters. Every citizen above 18 years of age has the right to vote.

Grassroots Democracy Grassroots democracy focuses on involving ordinary citizens, especially at the local level, in decision-making processes. It encourages participation from everyone, not just leaders at the top. This strengthens democracy from the ground up, similar to the base of a pyramid, and helps ensure the needs of common people are addressed.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: An Inspiring Leader Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, greatly contributed to India’s scientific development and also served as the country’s 11th President. Although his role as President was mostly nominal, he inspired millions by staying close to the people, supporting education, and encouraging youngsters to dream big and work hard.

Dr. Kalam’s quotes, such as “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep,” remind us of the value of perseverance and positive thinking. His life shows that even in symbolic posts, one can make a big difference with dedication and compassion.

Summary Points

• Rules and laws organize society and help maintain peace and order.
• The government consists of three main organs: Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (enforces and interprets laws).
• India’s government functions at three major levels: local, state, and central.
• Democracy, especially at the grassroots, means ordinary people participate in the decisions that affect their lives.
• Separation of powers ensures fairness and accountability in governance.

Key Questions for Practice

• What is democracy? How is direct democracy different from representative democracy?
• Describe the three organs of government and their roles.
• Why does India need three levels of government?
• Discuss how the different levels and organs of government worked together during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Class 6 Social Science Chapter 10 Notes – Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Complete Revision Summary

These Class 6 Social Science Chapter 10 notes offer a clear overview of Grassroots Democracy and India's unique system. Students can quickly revise key topics like the three levels and organs of government, types of democracy, and the importance of active participation in local governance.

Grasp important definitions, exam-ready points, and memorable examples from Indian society. These revision notes are perfect when you want to understand complex ideas in simple words for last-minute revision or everyday learning of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 10.